bigtravelbuzzMaharashtra is a state in the western region of India, known for its diverse culture, rich history, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top places to visit in Maharashtra:
- Mumbai: Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra and a bustling metropolis that is home to many attractions such as the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves, and many more. It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and street food.
- Pune: Pune is a city located in the western part of Maharashtra, known for its historical landmarks, such as the Aga Khan Palace, and the Shanivar Wada. It’s also a popular destination for trekking and adventure sports, with many scenic spots like Lonavala and Khandala in close proximity.
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves: The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The caves are famous for their intricate carvings and paintings, dating back to the 2nd century BC.
- Mahabaleshwar: Mahabaleshwar is a popular hill station located in the Western Ghats, known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and trekking trails. It’s also famous for its strawberry farms and the Venna Lake.
- Tarkarli Beach: Tarkarli Beach is a pristine beach located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. It’s known for its clear waters, white sands, and water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Lonar Crater Lake: Lonar Crater Lake is a unique geological formation located in Buldhana district, Maharashtra. It was formed by a meteor impact and is surrounded by a forest teeming with wildlife.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Maharashtra. The state has a lot to offer, ranging from historical landmarks and natural beauty to adventure sports and cultural attractions.
Best Time To Visit Maharashtra
The best time to visit Maharashtra depends on the region and activities you plan to do. Maharashtra has a diverse geography and climate, so the weather can vary significantly across the state. Here are some suggestions for the best time to visit different parts of Maharashtra:
- Mumbai and Western Maharashtra: The best time to visit Mumbai and western Maharashtra is between November and February when the weather is cool and pleasant.
- Pune and Surrounding Hill Stations: The best time to visit Pune and the surrounding hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala is between October and February. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the hills are lush green.
- Aurangabad and Ajanta-Ellora Caves: The best time to visit Aurangabad and the Ajanta-Ellora Caves is between November and March when the weather is cool and dry.
- Coastal Maharashtra: The best time to visit the coastal regions of Maharashtra, such as Tarkarli Beach and Alibaug, is between November and March when the weather is pleasant and dry.
- Wildlife Parks: The best time to visit the wildlife parks in Maharashtra, such as Tadoba National Park and Pench Tiger Reserve, is between February and May when the weather is dry, and animals are more visible near the water sources.
Overall, the winter months from November to February are the best time to visit most parts of Maharashtra. However, if you are planning to visit the hill stations or the wildlife parks, it’s better to check the specific months for the particular activity.
Things to Do in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state with a rich cultural heritage, diverse geography, and many attractions. Here are some things to do in Maharashtra that you might enjoy:
- Visit the Gateway of India: The Gateway of India is an iconic landmark in Mumbai and a popular tourist attraction. You can take a boat ride to the nearby Elephanta Caves or explore the nearby Colaba Market.
- Trekking: Maharashtra has many trekking trails, from easy to difficult, that take you through scenic hills, waterfalls, and forests. Some of the popular trekking destinations are Harishchandragad, Raigad Fort, Kalsubai Peak, and Bhimashankar.
- Explore the Ajanta and Ellora Caves: The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are famous for their intricate carvings and paintings. You can hire a guide to explore the caves and learn about their history and significance.
- Beaches: Maharashtra has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches, including Tarkarli Beach, Ganpatipule Beach, and Alibaug Beach. You can relax, swim, and indulge in water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Wildlife Safaris: Maharashtra has many wildlife parks and sanctuaries where you can spot a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and birds. Some of the popular wildlife parks are Tadoba National Park, Pench Tiger Reserve, and Bor Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Visit Historic Landmarks: Maharashtra is home to many historic landmarks, such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the Ajanta Fort, and the Shanivar Wada. You can hire a guide to explore these landmarks and learn about their history and significance.
- Food Tours: Maharashtra has a rich culinary tradition, and you can take a food tour to sample the local delicacies, such as vada pav, misal pav, puran poli, and bhakri. You can also visit the local markets to shop for spices and other ingredients.
These are just a few things to do in Maharashtra. The state has something to offer for every type of traveler, from adventure sports to cultural attractions.
How to Get Around in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has a well-developed transport infrastructure, and there are several options to get around in the state. Here are some of the popular modes of transport in Maharashtra:
- Local Trains: Mumbai has an extensive suburban train network that connects the city to its suburbs. These local trains are an inexpensive and convenient mode of transport to get around the city.
- Buses: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates bus services to various parts of the state. Private bus operators also offer services to different destinations. Buses are a cost-effective mode of transport, and you can choose between non-AC and AC buses.
- Taxis and Auto-rickshaws: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available in most cities in Maharashtra. You can hire them to get around the city, but you need to negotiate the fare before getting into the vehicle.
- Metro: Mumbai has a metro network that operates in certain parts of the city. The metro is an efficient mode of transport, especially during peak hours when the roads are congested.
- Car Rentals: You can also rent a car to explore Maharashtra. Many car rental companies offer self-drive and chauffeur-driven options. You need to have a valid driving license and follow the traffic rules while driving.
- Motorcycles and Scooters: Renting a motorcycle or a scooter is a popular option for tourists to explore Maharashtra, especially in places like Goa and Pune. You need to have a valid driving license and wear a helmet while riding.
Overall, getting around in Maharashtra is easy and convenient. You can choose the mode of transport that best suits your budget and travel preferences.
Where to eat in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is known for its diverse cuisine, and there are several restaurants and food joints that offer a range of local and international cuisine. Here are some popular places to eat in Maharashtra:
- Cafe Madras, Mumbai: Cafe Madras is a popular restaurant in Mumbai that serves South Indian breakfast items like idlis, vadas, and dosas. The restaurant has a simple decor, and the food is prepared fresh and served hot.
- Le Plaisir, Pune: Le Plaisir is a French-inspired bakery and patisserie in Pune. The bakery offers a range of bread, cakes, and pastries, and is known for its croissants, macarons, and eclairs.
- Cafe Irani Chaii, Mumbai: Cafe Irani Chaii is a popular food joint in Mumbai that serves Irani chai and bun maska. The place has a vintage decor, and the food is simple yet delicious.
- Bedekar Misal, Thane: Bedekar Misal is a popular food joint in Thane that serves misal pav, a spicy Maharashtrian dish made with sprouts, lentils, and spices. The misal pav is served with farsan (crunchy snack), onions, and lemon.
- Joshi Wadewale, Pune: Joshi Wadewale is a popular food joint in Pune that serves batata vada, a deep-fried potato fritter, and wada pav, a potato fritter sandwiched between two buns. The place is known for its spicy chutneys that are served with the vada and wada pav.
- Soam, Mumbai: Soam is a vegetarian restaurant in Mumbai that serves traditional Gujarati and Rajasthani cuisine. The restaurant has a beautiful decor and serves dishes like dhokla, khandvi, and thepla.
These are just a few popular places to eat in Maharashtra. You can also explore the local street food, which is delicious and affordable.
Famous street stalls in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is known for its vibrant street food culture, and there are several street stalls that offer a range of local and international cuisine. Here are some popular street stalls in Maharashtra:
- Bademiya, Mumbai: Bademiya is a legendary food stall in Mumbai that has been around for over 70 years. The stall is known for its succulent kebabs and rolls, and is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
- Sujata Mastani, Pune: Sujata Mastani is a popular street stall in Pune that serves mastani, a thick and creamy milkshake topped with dry fruits and ice cream. The stall also serves other milkshakes and snacks like sandwiches and bhel puri.
- Vada Pav, Mumbai: Vada Pav is a quintessential Mumbai street food that consists of a deep-fried potato fritter sandwiched between two buns. There are several street stalls in Mumbai that serve delicious vada pav, including Ashok Vada Pav, Aaram Vada Pav, and Gajanan Vada Pav.
- Jhunka Bhakar, Solapur: Jhunka Bhakar is a popular street food in Solapur that consists of jhunka, a spicy chickpea flour curry, and bhakar, a flatbread made with millet flour. The dish is simple yet flavorful and is a favorite of locals.
- Misal Pav, Nashik: Misal Pav is a spicy Maharashtrian dish made with sprouts, lentils, and spices. The dish is served with pav, a soft bread, and is topped with farsan (crunchy snack), onions, and lemon. There are several street stalls in Nashik that serve delicious misal pav, including Mamledar Misal and Sadhana Misal.
- Bhel Puri, Mumbai: Bhel Puri is a popular Mumbai street food that consists of puffed rice, sev, chopped onions, tomatoes, and chutneys. There are several street stalls in Mumbai that serve delicious bhel puri, including Elco Pani Puri Centre and Juhu Beach.
These are just a few popular street stalls in Maharashtra. You can also explore the local street food in other cities like Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Kolhapur.
Where to stay in Maharashtra
Luxury accommodation
Maharashtra has several luxury accommodations that offer world-class amenities and services. Here are some popular luxury accommodations in Maharashtra:
- The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai: The Taj Mahal Palace is a luxury hotel in Mumbai that overlooks the Arabian Sea. The hotel is known for its opulent interiors, world-class amenities, and warm hospitality.
- The Oberoi, Mumbai: The Oberoi is a luxury hotel in Mumbai that is known for its elegant interiors and impeccable service. The hotel has several restaurants and a spa that offer a range of international cuisine and treatments.
- The Leela, Mumbai: The Leela is a luxury hotel in Mumbai that is known for its beautiful architecture, lush gardens, and world-class amenities. The hotel has several restaurants that offer a range of local and international cuisine.
- Taj Santacruz, Mumbai: Taj Santacruz is a luxury hotel in Mumbai that is located close to the Mumbai airport. The hotel has several restaurants and a spa that offer a range of international cuisine and treatments.
- The Machan, Lonavala: The Machan is a luxury eco-resort in Lonavala that is known for its unique treehouse accommodations. The resort is surrounded by lush forests and offers several activities like trekking and birdwatching.
These are just a few popular luxury accommodations in Maharashtra. You can also explore other luxury hotels and resorts in cities like Pune, Nashik, and Aurangabad.
Budget accommodation
Maharashtra has a range of budget accommodations that cater to all kinds of travelers. Here are some popular budget accommodations in Maharashtra:
- Zostel, multiple locations: Zostel is a popular chain of backpacker hostels that has several locations across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, and Aurangabad. The hostels offer dormitory-style accommodation as well as private rooms, and are a great option for budget travelers.
- Backpacker Panda, multiple locations: Backpacker Panda is another popular chain of backpacker hostels in Maharashtra that has several locations across the state. The hostels offer clean and comfortable dormitory-style accommodation as well as private rooms.
- Hotel Yogi Midtown, Mumbai: Hotel Yogi Midtown is a budget hotel in Mumbai that offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel is located close to several attractions and is a great option for budget travelers.
- Hotel Sapna, Pune: Hotel Sapna is a budget hotel in Pune that offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel is located in the heart of the city and is close to several attractions and restaurants.
- Hotel Panchavati Yatri, Nashik: Hotel Panchavati Yatri is a budget hotel in Nashik that offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel is located close to several attractions like the Sula Vineyards and the Trimbakeshwar Temple.
These are just a few popular budget accommodations in Maharashtra. You can also explore other budget hotels and hostels in cities like Nagpur, Kolhapur, and Solapur.
Travel Tips Maharashtra
Here are some travel tips for visiting Maharashtra:
- Plan your trip according to the weather: Maharashtra experiences three distinct seasons – summer, monsoon, and winter. The summer months (March to May) can be hot and humid, while the monsoon season (June to September) can be wet and sometimes flood-prone. The winter months (November to February) are cool and comfortable, making it the best time to visit.
- Use public transportation: Maharashtra has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trains, and local taxis. Public transportation is affordable and convenient, making it a great option for budget travelers.
- Dress appropriately: Maharashtra is a culturally diverse state, and it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Women are often expected to cover their heads, shoulders, and knees, and remove their shoes before entering a temple or mosque.
- Try the local cuisine: Maharashtra is famous for its delicious street food, including vada pav, pav bhaji, and bhel puri. It’s also known for its seafood and vegetarian cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the local specialties during your visit.
- Stay safe: Like any other destination, it’s important to take precautions and stay safe while traveling in Maharashtra. Be aware of your surroundings, keep your valuables close, and avoid venturing out alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
- Respect local customs and traditions: Maharashtra has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of your behavior, dress appropriately, and ask for permission before taking photographs, especially in religious sites.
These are just a few travel tips for visiting Maharashtra. As with any travel destination, it’s important to be respectful and mindful of local customs, and to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.